For many, getting out of school is the first thing on their mind, but for Luke Rurawhe and his cohort of classmates that is not the case.
The EIT graduates have recently completed the institutions' innovative Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) degree - the first Institute of Technology/Polytechnic (ITP) in New Zealand to do so.
Starting the new year with a job at Peterhead School in Flaxmere, with four others in his degree, Mr Rurawhe cannot be more thrilled.
"I love learning myself. I love the thought of being a life-long learner. I get satisfaction out of teaching youngsters, seeing them succeed in school. I think it's great," Mr Rurawhe said.
Of Ngati Apa descent, the former Hastings Boys' High School student worked in building and retail jobs before deciding on a teaching career.